Barling » Barling: Apple

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Barling "Post Transition" King Crosscut Apple
I completely agree with Tad Gage, the recognized expert on Barlings, in his view that too much is made of the "Pre-Transition" vs. "Post-Transition" issue. He believes that excellent pipes were made during both periods, and what is important is the quality of the individual piece. In this case, we find one of Barling's most attractive and popular shapes, the taper bit Large Apple, whose expertly shaped bowl and shank could just as easily have been cut during the immediate post-War period; indeed, they may have been, as the new owners of Barling dined out (as it were) for many years on bowls that had been turned many years earlier and stored in a rather haphazard way throughout the factory. In any case, it is cut from very high grade Algerian briar directly across the grain, giving rise to dense birdseye on both sides of the bowl. The only aspect that isn't up to the family-era standards is the bit, which is perhaps too steeply tapered and lacks the classical grace of the earlier renderings. But it is comfortable, fits perfectly, and made of high quality vulcanite. Overall, a first rate pipe at an excellent price.

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Barling ca. 1915 Barling Apple

The beautiful smaller Barling presents something of a puzzle. It has a four digit shape number, which would normally date it to the early 1940's, just after the introduction of the so-called "Nichols" numbers. However, it is fitted with an old-fashioned orific mouthpiece, a design that Barling discontinued before most other British pipe makers in favor of the more modern "semi-orific" (oval-shaped) lip beginning in the late '20's. And the mouthpiece is undoubtedly original to the pipe. It was apparently made for (and perhaps sold by) the WH & J Woods ship in Preston, and it so stamped. But this does not tell us anything about the correct dating.

So there are two possibilities: 1) it was custom made for a particular customer who specified an old-fashioned bit; or 2) it is an older pipe that was never shipped to the shop, and was stamped and sold later. I lean toward the second alternative, because I can see no compelling reason for someone to specify an orific bit. Moreover, the grain and color are suggestive of an earlier pipe, as is the unusual (but notably attractive) shape. Finally, we note that there is no size designation, which one would normally expect in a Nichols era pipe.

In any case, it's a lovely example of a Barling, and is in virtually pristine condition in all regards, including even the the original cross on the bit. It was carefully smoked, and had no oxidation on the bit, suggesting great care was exercised by the former owner. I have priced it as if it is from the '40's, just in case my analysis is wrong. So I predict that the new owner will be very satisfied indeed.

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Barling Early Transitional EXEXEL-sized Apple

Properly understood and selected, the early Transitional pipes are among the best values in the world of high-end pipes. From the so-called Nichols number, and the font of the "Made in England" stamping, we can say definitively that this pipe was cut and finished in the pre-Transition period. It was then stamped with an additional number and the new-style "Barling" indicium (rather than "Barling's Make.") At the same time it was fitted with a good quality hand-cut bit, but not as well made as a true Pre Transitional piece. However, the grain is excellent, the color rich, and the quality of execution beyond criticism, notwithstanding the bit. Condition is first rate and the price agreeable--1/3 the price of a Pre Transitional pipe.

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Barling Guinea Grain Apple--Pre War

This is a very harmonious pipe, a most unusual variation of the long-stemmed apple, with an almost Danish-like bowl shape that generates considerable visual interest. In addition, it's cut from a lovely piece of wood, and the bowl is almost completely surrounded by straight grain. Indeed, in later years it probably would have been graded as such. Superb condition.